The Chicago Wolves have a winning record when scoring first in games. The only problem? More often than not, the team is digging itself out of a hole.

The Wolves have played 21 games as of early Wednesday and managed to score first in eight of those contests. Of their five wins, four have come after an early lead. But Chicago hasn’t lit the lamp first since its last win on Nov. 25.

“It’s a key … it’s been a key in the last number of games because we know we’ve been outscored in the first period,” coach Rocky Thompson said. “We find ourselves behind the 8-ball consistently, and it’s something that’s acknowledged within our group and within our staff. It’s a big difference for us.”

The Wolves have been outscored by 12 goals in the first period – the largest margin of any team in the league.

The team has fared better in the second period, making it the only period where Chicago has the upper hand on opponents.

The Golden Knights had a similar start to the season as far as second periods go, outscoring opponents by 11 through 10 games. They’ve hit a skid in their last 10 and have been edged in second period goals by nine.

Vegas has found ways to crawl back, but Chicago is still searching for quicker starts that translate to wins.

“We haven’t been terrible in the first period, we’ve outshot teams in the first, but we haven’t scored the goals that we needed, and we seem to give up the most in the first,” Rocky Thompson said. “But the guys are good, they battle and they want to come back, that’s why our games are so close … they don’t quit, we are getting better as a team, and we are improving.”

Paul Thompson a positive force

Paul Thompson, a free agent pick-up for the Golden Knights, was named team captain Nov. 19 and has been a key player on the ice and dressing room.

He has eight points in the last 10 games, including two power play goals and the team’s only shorthanded goal thus far. Thompson also leads Chicago with 76 shots.

“Paul Thompson is a good leader. You can see his competitiveness and it’s contagious,” coach Rocky Thompson said. “He’s constantly encouraging his teammates on the bench. A few of those guys have to do what he’s doing. I don’t mean the physicality or any of that stuff, but his competitiveness and his want to win the game.”

Thompson has been an AHL regular since 2011 and racked up 216 points in 401 games. He’s had many team stops, but he’s only worn the “C” in Chicago.

“I need to be doing the right things: playing hard, getting pucks to the net, and playing my game. The things that make me effective,” Thompson said. “If I’m not doing that and I’m not working my absolute hardest, I can’t hold guys accountable.”

Matteau heads west

Center Stefan Matteau became the fifth Chicago player recalled by the Golden Knights on Nov. 25. Since he arrived in Las Vegas, Matteau has played in five games and tallied his first Golden Knights point, an assist, on Nov. 30.

Prior to his call-up, Matteau had four goals and one assist in 19 games in Chicago.

Steve Carp and David Schoen talk about the Golden Knights loss to the Minnesota Wild, including what has gone wrong for Vegas lately and a local kid scoring in his hometown.

Haula and Fleury on what the Golden Knights need to do to win

After losing 4-2 to the Minnesota Wild at the T-Mobile Arena, the Vegas Golden Knights' Marc Andre-Fleury an Erik Haula discuss what the team can do better to win.

Golden Knights coach: We need to start winning again

After the Vegas Golden Knights fourth straight loss at home to the Minnesota Wild, head coach Gerard Gallant said the team needs to start winning again.

Marchessault hopes Neal will get him going offensively

The Golden Knights leading scorer Jonathan Marchessault has not had a goal in his last nine games heading into Friday’s game with Minnesota. (Steve Carp/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Golden Edge: Knights Shutout Calgary

Golden Edge host Bryan Salmond goes over Karlsson's second hat trick as a Golden Knights and Fleury shutting out Calgary.

Golden Edge: Knights drop a "weird" game to New Jersey

Bryan Salmond, David Schoen and Steve Carp talk about the Golden Knights 8-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils, including whether Marc-Andre Fleury needed rest and how the Knights must bounce back quickly.

The Golden Knights try to put their 8-3 loss to the Devils into words

After losing to the New Jersey Devils 8-3, the Vegas Golden Knights try to put what happened into words and discuss moving on to their next game on Friday.

Coach says Golden Knights loss to Devils falls on the whole team, not just the goalies

The Vegas Golden Knights suffered an 8-3 setback against the New Jersey Devils in their return to their home ice. After the game, coach Gerard Gallant said the loss falls on the whole team, not just the goalies.

Golden Edge: Knights blown out by Devils

Bryan Salmond recaps the Golden Knights 8-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils in T-Mobile Arena.

Fleury notches milestone as Golden Knights stun Flyers 3-2

Marc-Andre Fleury became just the 13th goalie to reach 400 wins in his NHL career. Fleury stopped 38 shots and led the Golden Knights to a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers Monday night. Others in the 400-win club are Martin Brodeur, Patrick Roy, Terry Sawchuk, Jacques Plante, Tony Esposito, Glenn Hall and current contemporaries Roberto Luongo and Henrik Lundqvist. “It’s a nice number to reach and all the guys in front of me I have great respect for and it’s cool to be part of that list,” Fleury said. Fleury played his entire career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, before being picked by the Golden Knights in the 2017 expansion draft.

Golden Edge host Bryan Salmond and Golden Knights beat reporter David Schoen go over the final games of the Golden Knights road trip and what teams in the Pacific division the Knights have to keep an eye on. Also Golden Edge goes into overtime interviewing Nate Schmidt.

Fans turn out for a pep rally for the Ultimate Vegas Sports Weekend in Las Vegas at the T-Mobile Arena's Toshiba Plaza. The Nascar triple-header weekend, the USA Sevens Rugby tournament, the Vegas Golden Knights vs. the Ottawa Senators and UFC 222 will all take place this weekend.

The Golden Knights are looking to settle their trademark dispute with the U.S. Army. Both sides have been in a trademark dispute over the name “Golden Knights” and the primary colors of gray, gold and black. The Army says the hockey team’s use of Golden Knights as a trademark causes confusion with its parachute team. They are also known as the Golden Knights. The Army filed its complaint with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jan. 10. The Golden Knights filed a settlement motion with the patent office’s trademark trial and appeal board on Jan. 25. The motion gives the team 90 days to resolve issues with the Army. “We’re trying to form a joint use agreement where both sides can continue to have their name."

Golden Knights forecheck

At first glance, the Knights’ 1-2-2 forecheck doesn't look unusual. But it’s the aggression the Knights use that makes their forecheck unique. “They’re a tenacious team." - Flyers coach Dave Hakstol The Knights are second in the NHL with 642 takeaways. “I think it’s a good indicator when we’re playing well is when our forecheck is going.” - center Erik Haula

The Golden Knights’ name and sharp-looking logo may not be big with the United States Army these days. But fans seem to like it. A lot. According to Fanatics, which oversees the league’s online shop, the Knights rank No. 4 in the NHL when it comes to merchandise sales. The New York Rangers are the No. 1 team in sales, followed by the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

Fleury's impact on Pittsburgh lasting long after his time there

Marc-Andre Fleury has had a greater impact on Pittsburgh than just on the ice Fleury and his wife opened a playground at a Pennsylvania Boys and Girls Club The Sto-Ken-Rox Boys & Girls Club is located in McKees Rock, where more than 35 percent of residents live in poverty. The playground opened last year before Fleury started playing for the Golden Knights Fleury financed the construction of a state-of-the-art playground, as well as sports equipment to play hockey.

Ryan Carpenter Glad To Contribute To Golden Knights Win

The forward had a goal and an assist in the 4-3 victory over the Capitals Sunday , Feb. 4, 2018 in Washington D.C. (Steve Carp/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Gerard Gallant Pleased With Knights Bounce-back Effort

The coach liked the way his team skated in the 4-3 win over Washington Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018. (Steve Carp/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

The Golden Knights defenseman talked about his time with the Capitals Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 in Washington D.C. (Steve Carp/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Jason Zucker on his big season, fatherhood, Golden Knights’ success

Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker, who is from Las Vegas, says he is pleased with his play and the way the Knights have captured the hearts of his hometown speaking before the game Friday, Feb. 2, 2018 in St. Paul, Minn. (Steve Carp/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

James Neal On Representing The Golden Knights At The Nhl All-star Game

James Neal on representing the Golden Knights at the NHL All-Star Game on Sunday in Tampa, Florida. (David Schoen/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Many Pomeranians found their fur-ever homes for the holidays The Animal Foundation and the Vegas Golden Knights hosted a Pucks for Paws event, to kick-off the adoption of 164 Pomeranians found abandoned in Sandy Valley. 5 dogs were available at auction, while 10 more were available in a raffle to benefit Animal Foundation. The dogs were named by Golden Knights players and donned small Knights sweaters. The other Pomeranians will be available through an online raffle, open through Jan. 1